Vittone to ‘clear name’ in tell-all book
AMOR Vittone is tired of being “painted as a bad person and a deadbeat mother” and plans to write a book in which she will open up about her dispute with Joost van der Westhuizen’s family over his will.
Vittone has been at loggerheads with the family since Van der Westhuizen’s death in February and recently succeeded in a court battle when his family withdrew its bid to declare an unsigned will as valid.
A second will‚ apparently drawn up when the rugby star was too sick to sign it himself‚ was declared invalid by the Master of the High Court.
This meant that Van der Westhuizen’s initial will‚ which apparently left everything to Vittone and their children‚ would come into effect.
Vittone said she was relieved but saddened by the outcome of the proceedings.
“I think Joost would have been sad to witness the bitterness that took place‚” she said.
The bitterness that had developed between her and the family had come from “situations that took place behind closed doors”.
Vittone claimed she was being crucified for things she had not done in a bid to tarnish her reputation.
“They said I wasn’t at his side in his last moments‚ but that was because they told us to go somewhere else.
“I am constantly painted as a bad person‚ uncaring wife and a deadbeat mother, but that is bullsh*t.
“People do not know the truth and they have not walked in my shoes. I won’t be crucified for something I didn’t do wrong‚” she said.
The couple’s two children‚ Kyle and Jordan‚ are supported‚ in part‚ by a monthly maintenance payment from a trust fund that Van der Westhuizen established.
Vittone denied looking to benefit financially from the estate or the trust fund payments and said her financial situation was nobody’s business.
“I made my own financial sacrifices to be there for Joost after his controversy and even more so when he got sick.
“I lost everything – sponsorships and music deals. I went through hell to be with him.
“I am not looking to ‘cash in’ on his estate.
“My financial situation is no one’s business, but I can look after myself and my children.
“I fought the will because of promises Joost made to his children that I feel‚ even now‚ are not being met‚” she said.
Vittone said she was writing a book to clear the air and give her side of the story.